Natural Building Workshops
with The Year of Mud

Get Muddy, Get Empowered 

The Year of Mud hosts enriching and empowering Natural Building Workshops. We teach how to build high quality, beautiful structures using natural building materials with an emphasis on strengthening our community. All workshops are hosted at South Slope Farm, our land in the beautiful Appalachian foothills near Berea, Kentucky. Best of all, workshops are family-friendly and all-inclusive. Lodging and food are included in the tuition. We’ve been hosting classes continuously since 2012. Come get muddy with us.

Full 2024 class schedule available — workshops will likely fill up quickly!

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What Do You Want to Learn?

Timber Frame Workshop

One of our most popular courses: a 7 day exploration of traditional timber framing techniques with hand tools. Beginner-friendly!

Natural Building Essentials

An excellent course for new natural builders – learn about the versatility of clay and straw in our 4 day hands-on class

Dry Stone Wall Workshop

Learn how to build durable, beautiful, and timeless walls with professional dry stone masons

Japanese Carpentry Workshop

A rare chance to learn traditional carpentry methods and skills with master carpenters from Japan

Permaculture in Practice

An immersive learning experience at an off-grid, solar-powered farm. Learn about no-till crops, intensive vegetable production, hugelkultur, & more

Praise From Our Participants

My family comprised three of the fortunate fourteen who attended the Sept. 2017 workshop. Based on our discussions in the days since, I would have to say this was one of our best short vacations ever. April's meals were easily worth the cost of the entire workshop. Ziggy's classes were well organized and included everything from tool selection to cob ovens to finished walls. The tour of four natural houses was amazing. It's one thing to see natural homes on YouTube but an entirely different experience to visit them and have a chance to talk with the inhabitants. Six muddy thumbs up for the entire experience!

Alan W.Natural Building Essentials 2017

I have learned so much during the straw bale workshop. Not only did I learn about how to build a straw bale home but I was also exposed to a different culture that I’m falling in love with every time I encounter like-minded individuals. It’s one thing to go to a workshop but when the facilitators and hosts invite you into their world and make you feel like a family it takes the dynamics of a learning experience to a whole new level.

Diane M.Straw Bale Workshop 2015

We have talked nonstop about the workshop. It was GREAT! We learned a lot and are really inspired. I think that anytime I want to learn something I will start with a workshop… I am recommending your workshop to everyone.

Callie C.Cob Oven Workshop 2013

Loved learning things I never knew before, working with other folks, accomplishing things together that we could not do alone, [and] seeing something big come together before our eyes. Ziggy and April were wonderful organizers and hosts. Lots of thought and preparation!

Margaret W.Timber Frame Workshop 2013

It was a great workshop. I am sure it took a lot of prep time and coordination to make that all happen. (I think I could write a comedy script about all our dietary restrictions.) April created such wonderful meals for us all. Thanks for opening up your home and I really enjoyed getting to meet Hazel and Pug. It was way out of my comfort zone and that is why I did it. I have never camped for that long a time even though I was a girl scout leader for 6 years. I loved it and the experience made me realize that I really need to get in better shape to do the things I want to do in the future. You have a lovely home and we got to see other great homes and farms. Thanks for making all that possible.

Mary R.Natural Building Essentials 2016

In reality, you present so much more than building techniques, although those are important. The weekend afforded me the chance to connect with folks who think alike… getting back in concrete touch with my philosophical roots dating back to times before you all were born. I was truly heartened to be around such a dynamic and motivated and capable group of young folks. It’s easy to get pessimistic when looking at this mess of a world before us. You all breathe hope! Keep up the great work, and many thanks for a great experience.

Angelo S.Cob Building Workshop 2014

The timberframe workshop at The Year of Mud offered everything I needed to wet my feet and gain the confidence to tackle a timberframe project on my own. We learned the basic skills for layout, as well as cutting the joinery using everything from antique hand tools and to modern electric tools. The workshop brought together a great group of folks with diverse skills and we enjoyed the wholesome food, beautiful setting, and rigorous building schedule. Many thanks Ziggy!

Christoph H.Timber Frame Workshop 2018

More Than Just Building Skills

We’re dedicated to creating personalized and life-enriching experiences for all of our students. During our workshops, our home is your home. We strive to make it inviting, comfortable, and absolutely enjoyable to be here. We’re here to give you one of the most memorable experiences of your life.

  • All-inclusive, with 3 meals a day and lodging included in all courses
  • Fantastic meals are lovingly prepared with ingredients sourced from our garden and local farmers
  • Ample time to explore the land and valley where we live, including beautiful waterfalls, creeks, and clean spring water
  • Family friendly — children are welcome
south slope farm
natural building workshop participants
pug cob mascot

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